Congratulations on your successful appeal! This is such encouraging news for everyone in this community. As someone who's been following TWC cases for a while, your story perfectly illustrates why preparation and documentation are absolutely critical. Having those 5 years of performance reviews ready to counter their claims was brilliant - it shows you understood the importance of backing up your testimony with concrete evidence. The fact that you could clearly demonstrate the lack of proper progressive discipline (no written warnings, no PIP) really strengthened your position significantly. While your employer's no-show definitely worked in your favor, it's clear you had a solid case either way because you came so well-prepared. I'm also encouraged that TWC processed your decision in just 5 days instead of the quoted 7-10 days and specifically acknowledged your credible testimony in the decision letter - it really shows they do evaluate cases fairly when presented with clear facts. Thanks for taking the time to update everyone with this positive outcome. These success stories are invaluable for people still waiting on their own decisions and feeling anxious about the process. Hope your backpay processes quickly!

Congratulations on your victory! This is absolutely fantastic news and such a relief after all that stress you were going through. Your case is a perfect example of why good preparation matters so much - having 5 years of solid performance reviews to counter their performance claims was key evidence that really made the difference. The fact that you could clearly show they never followed proper progressive discipline procedures (no written warnings, no PIP) gave you a strong foundation, even beyond your employer not showing up. It's also really encouraging that TWC processed your decision in just 5 days and specifically noted your credible testimony in the decision letter - shows they were really listening to the facts you presented. Thanks for coming back to update us with the good news! These success stories mean so much to others who are still waiting on their decisions and feeling anxious about the whole process. Hope that backpay hits your account quickly!

Congratulations on finally getting through and getting your interview scheduled! That's a huge step forward. Just wanted to add that during your interview, make sure to emphasize that you were willing and able to continue working - that's a key factor TWC looks for in determining if it was truly a termination vs. voluntary quit. Also, if you have any text messages or emails from that day showing you were surprised by being let go, those can be really powerful evidence. The fact that your employer is now changing their story (from "quit" to "walked off after an argument") actually works in your favor because it shows inconsistency on their part. Stay strong - you're almost through this nightmare!

That's amazing progress! So glad you finally got through and have your interview scheduled. Just wanted to add one more tip - if possible, try to get written statements from any coworkers who witnessed what happened or can verify that you were fired rather than quit. Even a simple email from a colleague saying "I was there when they terminated you" can carry a lot of weight with TWC examiners. Also, if you have any performance reviews or documentation showing you were a good employee with no disciplinary issues, bring those too. It helps counter any claims about misconduct or poor performance. You've got this - sounds like you have solid evidence and their changing story definitely hurts their credibility!

Just wanted to add that the hearing officer calling out your employer's lies is actually HUGE! I've been to three different TWC hearings over the years (unfortunately had some bad luck with employers) and the officers are usually very neutral and professional. For them to actively challenge your employer's statements means they clearly spotted inconsistencies or outright falsehoods. Combined with your text message evidence and witness testimony, this sounds like a really strong case. I know the waiting is torture, but try to stay positive - everything you've described points to a favorable outcome. And definitely get those payment requests caught up ASAP like others mentioned!

I had a very similar situation last year where I submitted notice but then withdrew it due to a family emergency, and my employer still terminated me but claimed I quit to avoid paying unemployment. The whole process was incredibly stressful, but I ended up winning my appeal. A few things that really helped my case: 1) I had email documentation of my notice withdrawal, 2) I kept detailed records of all communications with my employer, and 3) I had a coworker who was willing to provide a written statement. The fact that you have text messages proving termination AND witnesses is really strong evidence. From what you've described about the hearing officer's reaction, it sounds like your case went very well. I know the waiting period is awful - I barely slept for the 9 days it took to get my decision - but try to stay optimistic. The evidence is clearly on your side, and TWC takes employer dishonesty very seriously. Make sure you're continuing to file your weekly claims during this waiting period!

I went through something similar two years ago - the key is acting fast but also being thorough with your documentation. Since you mentioned you worked in hospitality and there were company-wide layoffs, make sure to gather any emails, texts, or documents that reference the "restructuring" and "economic conditions" your employer mentioned. Even internal company announcements about financial difficulties could help your case. One thing that helped me was creating a timeline of events - when you were laid off, when you filed for benefits, when you received approval, etc. This shows you were acting in good faith throughout the process. Also document every step you take now (screenshots of your appeal submission, phone call logs if you contact TWC, etc.). The appeals hearing will likely be by phone, so when you do get your new hearing scheduled, make sure you have a quiet space and all your documents organized. Don't let them intimidate you - you have rights and the fact that you weren't notified is a serious procedural violation. Stay strong!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now but with a smaller amount. One thing I learned from my research is that you can also request an "overpayment waiver" if you can prove that repaying the money would cause financial hardship and that you received the benefits in good faith (which you clearly did since the original determination was in your favor). The waiver form is available in your TWC account under the overpayment section. Even if your appeal is successful, it might be worth filing the waiver as a backup plan. You'll need to provide financial documentation showing your income, expenses, and assets to demonstrate hardship. Also, don't panic about the $13,500 amount - I've read that TWC often includes penalties and interest in their initial overpayment calculations, so the actual base amount you received might be lower. Make sure to ask for a breakdown of how they calculated that figure during your appeal process.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this absolutely infuriating situation! As someone who just went through a similar nightmare with TWC, I wanted to share what ultimately worked for me. First off, your detailed call notes are GOLD. I had similar documentation and it made all the difference in my hardship waiver application. The key is being extremely specific about dates, times, rep names, and exactly what guidance they gave you. Here's my advice based on what worked: 1. **Hardship Waiver is your strongest option** - Focus heavily on this. In your application, create a timeline showing exactly when you called, who you spoke with, what they told you to do, and how you followed their instructions to the letter. 2. **Collections payment reduction** - When you call, have your monthly budget written out beforehand. Show them what you actually CAN afford (be honest but conservative). They have way more flexibility than they initially let on. 3. **State rep involvement is crucial** - This was what really got things moving for me. Their constituent services teams have direct contacts at TWC who can actually make decisions. 4. **Don't give up on those call recordings** - Keep pushing the AG's office about the ignored Open Records Request. Those recordings are evidence that you're entitled to see. The system absolutely IS designed to make you give up and just pay, but you have a strong case here. Your documentation puts you way ahead of most people in this situation. Hang in there and keep fighting - you've got this! Please keep us updated on your progress.

I'm absolutely livid reading your story because the EXACT same thing happened to me last year! TWC reps gave me completely wrong information about reporting part-time work, then six months later hit me with a $6,400 overpayment demand. The worst part? They acted like I was trying to commit fraud when I was literally following their instructions word-for-word. Here's what I wish someone had told me earlier in the process: **Don't wait on the Open Records Request** - While you're fighting that through the AG's office, start the hardship waiver process immediately. They're separate tracks and the waiver doesn't require you to have the call recordings first. **Document your current financial hardship in detail** - Not just income/expenses, but how repaying this would impact your ability to pay rent, buy groceries, etc. Be specific about the consequences. **Ask Collections about "compromise settlement"** - This is different from a payment plan. If you can show genuine financial hardship, they sometimes accept 50-60% of the total as full payment. Worth asking about. **Contact Texas Legal Aid ASAP** - They have attorneys who specialize in exactly this type of case and they're free if you qualify income-wise. Don't assume you won't qualify. The most important thing: TWC banks on people getting overwhelmed and just giving up. Your detailed call notes are incredibly valuable - most people don't have that level of documentation. You're in a much stronger position than you realize. Keep fighting and definitely keep us updated. This community has seen way too many people get screwed over by TWC's incompetence!